Monday, September 8, 2014

Welcome Nata Romeo and Her Alphabet Wildlife A to Z

Alphabet Wildlife A to Z invites young readers into an enchanting world of animals.

1)     Please tell us a little about yourself.
I am originally from Toronto, Canada. I lived in Italy for a while, and then graduated school from the Art Institute, and then ended up in Philadelphia, PA.  I am the proud mother of three amazing children, ages ranging from 28, 25, and 8!
I work full time as a special needs classroom assistant for the School District Of Philadelphia. Creativity and inspiration derive from my kids, and also being among hundreds of elementary students on a daily basis!
2)     What was your inspiration to write and illustrate this book? And why?
The Sketchbook Project 2014, part of the Brooklyn Art Library inspired me to write and illustrate this book. This is my third year participating with them. The original drawings are in that sketchbook, which is housed in their library. I always wanted to write an alphabet book!
3)     What projects are you working on now?
I’m currently revising another children’s book about Moon Trees, and illustrating it as well. 
4)     Are you interested in writing another genre?
Absolutely! I LOVE YA! I’ve had characters bouncing around in my head for a while, and they’re waiting to be written!
5)     Did you always want to be a writer and illustrator?
Yes, as long as I can remember! I love the power of creativity.
6)     Are you a day or night writer and illustrator?
Day for both!  Night=sleep!
7)     What is your advice to writers /illustrators?
Read, read, read, what you want to write. Learn to storyboard/dummies to see if your story flows. Join SCBWI, go to workshops, and join critique groups. Not only will your writing improve, but you will meet other talented writers and illustrators that also share your passion.  
Also, if you decide to self-publish, please avoid making the mistake I did! After my book was approved by CreateSpace and up for sale, someone I look up to and admire messaged me and pointed out that there was a typo!  I thanked her soooooooo much! I immediately fixed the BOO BOO!  
8)      Are you a coffee or tea person?
Definitely coffee fueled!
9)     Are you a lefty or righty?
After fracturing my dominant hand earlier this year, I became aware that I’ve been ambidextrous and never knew it!   Now I can alternate between the two and have two unique styles of drawings.
Actually, the Lion book art was illustrated with lefty, while the animals in the book were illustrated with righty. So yeah, no matter what life throws your way, pick yourself up and find a way to continue what you love to do!
10)  What is your favorite illustration medium?
My favorite illustration medium is combining watercolor, and pen and ink.  I love having the freedom of colors blending into other colors, creating unique effects. Detailed pen and ink is a form of de-stressing!
     
1          11)  Why did you decide to self-publish your first book with CreateSpace?

             The beauty of self-publishing with CreateSpace is that you can easily edit your book. I       wanted to have the freedom to make all the decisions on how the book looks. I have to admit that it was very stressing along the way. The formatting was always off! Fortunately, my son the computer genius always comes to my rescue and saves me from self-destruction!  HA HA  

       Thanks for stopping by and sharing your sweet book and yourself with us. It's available in print or Kindle. Or both. *wink*

       Want to buy Nata's book? Go here to Amazon.      




Want to visit Nata?

Go here to Nata's house! YEAH! 



You can visit her at Goodreads. 

And Twitter. 














36 comments:

  1. Congrats to Nata! That's so awesome she can write and illustrate. What a talent! Good luck to her on her new book.

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  2. YAY! Nata!!! Congratulations! I did not know you've been to Italy. So, so cool. I also was unaware of the age range between your kiddos. You are a hero, girl.

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  3. Her book is great, Natalie. I hope she sells a lot! I want to illustrate. Thanks for the visit, friend.

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  4. Sheri, she is a hero. The age range is cool. I would love to go to Italy. :-) Great to see you, pal.

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  5. What a great picture of Nata! Her illustrations are amazing.

    I've always wanted to go to Italy. One day....

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  6. Could we have a Write On retreat in Italy? Pullease!!! It is a great picture. Thanks for stopping by, my friend.

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  7. Night time is for sleeping!
    And there are typos in every book, self-published or not.
    Congratulations, Nata.

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  8. Alex, you got that right! I see typos in every book! Thanks for stopping in, my friend.

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  9. Congratulations Nata and those illustrations look fabulous!

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  10. I know! I'm so jealous. I want to learn to draw, Joanna. So nice to see you!!

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  11. Julie, I know! COOL BEANS! :-) Happy to see you, pal.

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  12. When I first learned of Nata's book on kindle I got a copy and shared it with my grandson who loved the illos as much as I did.

    I so loved hearing more about Nata in this interview. Thanks for sharing. :)

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  13. Clar, the illustrations are so vibrant, aren't they? I love that book. It's good to see you.

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  14. Congratulations! Moon Trees sound lovely. Typo's are tough...it great to have a way to fix them.

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  15. I love that title, Liza. Moon Trees. It's so lyrical. So nice to see you here. :-)

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  16. Awesome looking book, Nata! It's lovely to hear a bit author the author. Good job, Robyn :-)

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  17. Thanks Yvette! It IS good to hear about the author. So lovely to see you here.

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  18. Kudos to Nata for publishing her book! Her art is lovely and I admire the way she switched hands to draw when she hurt her other one. :)

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  19. I agree Teresa. She wasn't about to let anything deter her. Great to see you, woman!

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  20. Holy Cow! You've accomplished an awful lot to have just started in 2014! Congratulations!

    Wow, you have a huge age gap between your kids!

    Best wishes with your books.

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  21. She does have a huge age gap between kids there. WOW. Nata has accomplished a lot. Her illustrations are so sweet, aren't they?

    Thanks for stopping in, Mayhew. XOXOXO

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  22. YAY! :D Donuts for everyone! ;) OOOOO :D Ms. Romeo's illustrations are amazing!

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  23. Congrats, Nata.

    Being ambidextrous and having two illustrating styles is cool.

    Looks like a great read.

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  24. It is a beautiful book, Natal! I can't wait for Moon trees. That sounds right up my street. I wish I had a tech expert in the house. Congrats, Nata!

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  25. Medeia, it is a great read. Nata is super talented. Great to see you here, pal.

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  26. Catherine! So WONDERFUL to see you! Moon Trees sound so lyrical, doesn't it? xoxo

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  27. Erik, I answered your comment in an email and it didn't make a copy here. :( That makes me sad. I now owe you the world's most gigantic and YUMMIEST donut. SO GREAT TO SEE YOU HERE!

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  28. What an interesting life Nata has led. Congrats to her on the new book. It's so beautiful.

    Waving at you, Robyn.

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  29. Waving at Mary! SO great to see you. Nata's book is beautiful. I know she appreciates you saying that. I'm getting your new one. Cannot wait to read it. :-)

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  30. Hi Robyn .. oh to be able to illustrate - I can see it, but cannot for the life of me do it! Perhaps I should try my left hand .. I suspect things would only get messier ..

    What a fun project ... and obviously she's using her talents to help others .. the age range of her kids must be a surprise .. but I suspect will be hugely beneficial ..

    Love the title and the look of the book ... clever lady - cheers to you both - Hilary

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  31. She is amazing, Hil. How she learned to draw with her left hand. WOW. The cover is great, isn't it? Her book is wonderful. Love seeing you stop by. xoxo

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  32. Robyn, thanks so much for the intro to Nata and her book! Wishing her all the best. :)

    Sending hugs your way,
    Karen

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  33. Holy cow! Can't believe Nata is able to draw with both hands and that she used both to illustrate this book. Super cool! Wishing her the best of luck. :)
    ~Jess

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  34. Nata's book is sure to be a hit. SO GOOD to see my amigo!!! Hugging you back! MWAH!

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  35. Jess, she is one talented lady. So glad she found a way to get it all done. So nice to see you, friend.

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